Jack Eichel takes cheap shot at Sabres' fans during media availability

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Josh tupper
March 11, 2022 (7:09)

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When Jack Eichel was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Vegas Golden Knight it was inevitable that he'd have to return and face the crowd in Buffalo. When Eichel left the Sabres it wasn't on a positive note. Eichel felt the management team hadn't treated him fairly, and ultimately this tanked his trade value. Sabres' fans were justifiably upset by this from a hockey perspective.

Tonight Eichel made his return to Buffalo and he had to face that same crowd that he'd played in front of for 7 seasons. During the pregame skate it appeared Eichel knew the moment was inevitable because he made an effort to be the last player off the ice. When he finally exited he was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd.

After the game though it was the Buffalo crowd that was left having the last laugh as the Sabres defeated the Golden Knights, 3-1, with Alex Tuch, who was acquired in the Eichel deal, blowing past Eichel and putting away the empty net goal to seal the victory.

Even though the Buffalo crowd seemed to get the last laugh it seems like Eichel wasn't willing to leave Buffalo without taking a couple shots of his own at the fan base.

Yeah, it's about the loudest I've heard this building ever. Really, it only took seven years and me leaving to get into the game.

They must just be booing me because they wish I was still here.

There were always reports out of Buffalo that Eichel was a problem in the locker room and while some believed it others felt Eichel's behavior was justified. But after tonight's comments it's clear, Eichel just might have been the issue all along.